David Edward Knox, aged 90, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, in Sherman, Illinois. David was born during the Great Depression on October 14, 1934, in Springfield, Illinois to second generation Irish and Lithuanian parents, James Joseph Knox and Anne Julia Knox (nee Valansky).

He attended St. Agnes Grade School and Springfield High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably from 1952 through 1955 in the Korean War. Medals received for his service include the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.

Later in life, David also received the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Minister, Patriots and Veterans Affairs, of the Republic of Korea, as an expression of gratitude for his and his countrymen’s service in restoring and preserving their freedom and democracy. David also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve until 1960.

Upon returning to the States after his active-duty service, David met Sarah (Sally) Whitaker, and they were married on September 20, 1955. While starting his family, David attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1961. David also later earned a Master of Arts degree from Sangamon State University in 1973.

 He had a decades-long career as a dedicated public servant with the State of Illinois, working for the Department of Waterways, the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Personnel, Central Management Services, and retiring as the Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

During his tenure with Veterans Affairs, he was involved with and provided support for the Veterans Homes across Illinois, including Quincy Veterans Home. His dedication to the highest standards of quality and leadership prompted him to achieve accreditation as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator from the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation in 1989.

David provided consultative support during the initial phases of planning and erecting the Korean War Memorial, dedicated in 1996 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, and continued his support of veterans organizations and causes throughout his life.

David was an intellectual with a philosophical bent, and he had a keen interest in history, from ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian, to the American Civil War, the Russian Revolution and World War II. He was an avid reader and book collector – every room in his home was lined with bookshelves, filled with books on his favorite topics. He also studied languages and spoke both Lithuanian and French. He was an aficionado of classical music, enjoying Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and the waltzes of Johann Strauss.

He was a serious man, but his intellect also informed his wickedly dry sense of humor, and he was a master of the pithy comment and the witty observation. He spoke proudly to everyone of his children’s achievements, and unbeknownst to them, had saved many mementos from their lives. He was also an extraordinary DIY handyman, and remodeled and maintained his home of 60 years with a craftsman’s skill and eye for detail.

He was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts, uncles and cousins, and his eldest daughter, Dara Lyn Pendzialek (nee Knox).

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sarah Knox (nee Whitaker), his remaining four children and their spouses, Leah Ann Knox (Mark Wirtz), Veda Lee Beall (Michael), Brian Alexander Knox (Christine) and Nina Sue Ferree (Dennis), his seven grandchildren, Robert Croutcher, Rebecca Spitz (nee Pendzialek), Dylan Knox, Quinn Knox, Charles Smith, Riley Ferree and Skyler Ferree, and three great grandchildren, Marissa, Ethan and Reagan Spitz.

There will be a private family graveside service at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers sent to the family, in memoriam donations to the VFW, the USO, or other veterans’ groups would be an honor to his legacy as a proud veteran.

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